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Charred Tandoori Butter Chicken

charred tandoori butter chicken - featured image

A simple and quick recipe for smoky, buttery Indian-style chicken using just five ingredients and a fast cooking method that delivers rich flavor without complicated steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tandoori masala powder
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, tandoori masala, and minced garlic. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt until foamy. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom side is deeply charred and browned.
  4. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes until charred and cooked through.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the chicken, cover loosely, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and spoon the buttery sauce from the pan over the top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the sear to develop the smoky char flavor. Use full-fat yogurt for best creaminess and tenderizing effect. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. If chicken sticks to the pan, ensure the pan is hot and butter melted before adding chicken. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: tandoori butter chicken, Indian chicken recipe, smoky chicken, easy Indian dinner, 5 ingredient chicken, quick tandoori chicken